How do we transcend our increasingly polarized political beliefs and ideologies to share our common humanity with our neighbors? Sing with them in harmony to a Cyndi Lauper song, of course.
Choir! Choir! Choir!, presented by the Anchorage Concert Association on Nov. 4 at the Discovery Theater, will give us this opportunity. One-third concert, one-third singalong, and one-third phenomenon, Toronto-based Choir! has performed on stages all over the world, and with renowned artists including Patti Smith, David Byrne, and the one and only Kermit the Frog.
Fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, Choir! cofounders and conductors Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman are well-known for their ability to bring diverse groups of people together to share a sense of purpose, connect through music, and have fun as they sing their hearts out.
“Choir! is as much for non-singers as it is for excellent singers — it’s about real laughter, singing and connection,” Adilman said. “People walk away from our shows feeling uplifted in a way they don’t when they spend the whole night scrolling their phones.”
Even if your singing makes your dog hide under the bed, Choir! welcomes you with open arms. This is how it works: you show up, get your lyric sheet, learn an original arrangement to your favorite ‘80s song with 700 of your new choir friends, and then enjoy the live performance while simultaneously being a part of it.
Singing together builds connection, but it turns out it’s good for us too. A growing body of research demonstrates that the benefits of singing with others includes decreasing stress hormones, increasing a sense of belonging, lessening anxiety, reducing feelings of loneliness and increasing cytokines, proteins that can boost the body’s ability to fight serious illness. Singing has the power to effect change within ourselves and our communities.
You know your neighbor who displays lawn signs for your least favorite candidate? Or the coworker who listens 24/7 to the news station you think is propaganda? Invite them to Choir! Even if you don’t become best friends and start a band, you’ll end the night with some shared experience and something to laugh about later.
“We have countless stories of transformation inspired by Choir!, from strangers meeting at our events and getting married, to singing at the 9/11 Memorial with Rufus Wainwright, first responders and community members,” Adilman said. “Whether it’s commemorating a tragedy or it’s a throwaway night of great pop songs, Choir! celebrates diversity — diversity of experience, diversity of feelings and diversity of expression.”
Uplifting, inspiring, fun and funny, it’s no wonder Adilman and Goldman have amassed a passionate following of singers all over the world.
Choir! Choir! Choir! performs on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Discovery Theater. Tickets prices start at $47.50 and are available for purchase at CenterTix.
This article was published in partnership with Arts Anchorage.
Emily is an Anchorage-based graphic designer, writer and musician. She is the founder of Arts Anchorage.